ARCS® Foundation Phoenix is honored to present the 2015-2016 Scholar Awards to these outstanding Ph.D. candidates from Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University, and University of Arizona. The ARCS Foundation Scholar Award is $7,000 per year. All scholars must apply through their universities on an annual basis.
2015 - 2016ASU SCHOLARS | ||
Wilhoit Scholar ASU: Electrical Engineering Research Interest: Jacob was awarded a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Arizona State University. His research is on advancements in GaAs solar cell technologies primarily to develop an ultra-thin film solar cell utilizing a textured back side reflector. This work has since expanded into several other material systems including CdTe with a focus on cost savings. |
Van Denburgh Scholar ASU: Neuroscience Research Interest: Ashley received a B.S. in Biology from the University of Arizona. Her research focuses on the progressive and fatal neurodegenerative disorder Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Her work has resulted in the discovery and publication of mutations in a new gene linked to ALS, Matrin 3. Very little is known about the Matrin 3 protein and its normal function, so her research will define the biologic role under normal conditions.
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Louis Jugloff Endowment Scholar ASU: Electrical Engineering Research Interest: Henry received a B.S. and a M.S. in Electrical Engineering from Arizona State University. During an internship with the NASA Jet Propulsion Lab he discovered an interest in computer vision and space exploration. He is researching methods for autonomous image recognition and object tracking using novel sensors known as compressive cameras. Systems such as vehicles, robots, deep space probes, and medical imaging will benefit from the algorithms being developed. |
Sonntag Scholar ASU: Bioengineering Research Interest: Josh received a B.A. and a M.S. in Biomedical Engineering from California Polytechnic State University. He discovered his passion for research by working in the microcirculation and tissue regeneration laboratory. His studies in cardiovascular disease will shed new light on the mechanism by which human pluripotent stem cells hPSCs acquire specific CM subtype identities.
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Papadopoulos Scholar ASU: Biological Design Research Interest: René received a B.S. in Biology from the California Institute of Technology. Rene is studying how a bacterial gene-editing tool called CRISPR behaves in more complex mammalian cells. CRISPR is currently being developed into therapies to cure human genetic diseases so understanding its behavior is crucial for these powerful therapies to move into the clinic. |
Theodore Family Scholar ASU: Neuroscience Research Interest: Megan received a B.S. in Physiology and a M.S. in Physiological Sciences from the University of Arizona. Her research uses functional and structural neuroimaging (MRI) to uncover the neural computations critical for human communication, and how these computations change when the brain is damaged. Her goal is to apply this knowledge to improve the diagnosis and treatment of patients with neural injury resulting in communication deficits. |
Douglas Scholar ASU: Biomedical Engineering Research Interest: Brittney received a B.S.E. and a M.S. in Biomedical Engineering from Arizona State University. Her research is on creating a novel point-of-care technology (POCT), like the handheld glucose meter, to diagnose and quantify the severity of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) in a drop of blood. No such handheld device exists for any disease which can accomplish simultaneous quantification of multiple biomarkers in blood. The ability to quickly diagnose a TBI will enable patients to seek medical attention and to give the medical field a quantitative tool to measure treatment efficacy. |
Johnston Endowment Scholar ASU: Biological Design Research Interest: Brian received a B.S. in Molecular Bioscience and Biotechnology from Arizona State University. His research studies the basic biology of clinically relevant poxviruses vaccinia and monkeypox. Vaccinia virus is responsible for the eradication of smallpox, and there is considerable interest in developing vaccinia-based vaccines for other diseases by engineering the virus to express the products of pathogens such as HIV.
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Kucera Scholar ASU: Molecular and Cellular Biology Research Interest: Emily was awarded a B.S. in Biological Sciences from Barrett, the Honors College, at Arizona State University. Her research explores the development of a measles vaccine incorporating an increased dosage of envelope glycoproteins, which could be administered to infants at a younger age than the current vaccine. Such a vaccine could reduce measles-related mortality, and aid in the global drive to eliminate measles. |
Ellie and Michael Ziegler Scholar ASU: Biomedical Inforrmatics Research Interest: Daniel received a B.S. in Biochemistry from Ohio State University. His research is focused on the analysis of zoonotic RNA viruses. He is particularly interested in how local variables and genetic mutations combine to play a role in the diffusion of zoonotic viruses and has developed a novel, comprehensive model to evaluate this process in its entirety. |
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Roche/ARCS Scholar ASU: Analytical Chemistry Research Interest: Denise received a B.S. in Chemistry from Barnard College of Columbia University. She then worked as a forensic scientist for the New York City Police Department where she analyzed evidence for the possible presence of controlled substances. Her research is in the processing of secondary organic aerosols in clouds and fog through the analysis of natural stable isotopes. This will ultimately assist in improving atmospheric models and alleviating the sources of organic compounds that adversely affect climate and human health. |
Lawson Scholar ASU: Chemical Engineering Research Interest: Elizabeth received a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Arizona State University. Her research focuses on synthesizing and employing “smart” stress-responsive polymers for identifying early damage in order to repair the damage before failure. In response to mechanical stress, the bonds in the “smart” material break, releasing a fluorescent signal that can be correlated to the amount of damage, whether it be in an airplane wing or fuselage, epoxy in a microelectronics package, or even in civil engineering applications.
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Ellie and Michael Ziegler Scholar ASU: Mechanical Engineering Research Interest: Jeffrey received a BS degree in mechanical engineering from Brigham Young University in 2013 and is currently pursuing his PhD degree in mechanical engineering with the School for Engineering, of Matter, Transport and Energy. As a research associate in the Human-Oriented Robotics and Controls Lab at ASU, he is investigating and characterizing mechanisms of inter-leg coordination in human walking in order to create a novel gait therapy for stroke patients. His research interests include rehabilitation robotics, control systems, system identification, neuromuscular control and human locomotion. |
Roche/ARCS Scholar ASU: Microbiology Research Interest: Louis received a B.S. in Biology from Ohio State University, and a M.S. in Coastal Marine and Wetland Sciences from Coastal Carolina University. His research involves the use of DNA origami nanostructures as tools to study T cell diversity as it pertains to the development of a healthy immune system. Further studies can then evaluate individuals undergoing immune reconstitution as well as prior to and after challenge with viral pathogens or vaccines.
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| 2015 - 2016 | |
Marley Foundation Scholar In Memory of Mr. Milton "Bud" Webb NAU: Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Research Interest: Hillary was awarded a B.Sc. in Microbial Biology from the University of California, Berkeley. Her research will provide a more comprehensive assessment of the responses of native plant communities to extreme events, such as drought and species invasion, using multiple techniques including a series of experimental gardens and community phylogenetics. These studies are essential for successful restoration programs, and the long-term management and conservation of native landscapes. |
ARCS Scholar NAU: Biology Research Interest: Anthony received a B.S. in Biology from Allegheny College and a M.S. in Biology from Northern Arizona University. He studies protein interactions at the molecular level, and then uses that knowledge to help develop computer muscle models. He evaluates powered foot prosthesis, with these models incorporated into their operating systems. His studies have the ability to reshape the way muscle physiologists and bioengineers work together to build limb prostheses. |
ARCS/Templin Scholar NAU: Forestry Research Interest: Suzanne received a B.S. in Botany, with a minor in Chemistry and a M.S. in Biology from Northern Arizona University. She received academic training in botany, chemistry and ecology; and research experience investigating the response of soils, plants and soil microbial communities to fuel reduction treatments. She is researching tree regeneration following large stand-replacing wildfires in ponderosa pine forests.
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The Kemper and Ethel Marley Foundation Scholar NAU: Forestry Research Interest: Michael received a B.S. in Environmental Biology from Fort Lewis College. His current research focuses on plant and soil organism interactions in the face of conservation biology and global climate change. He aims to find mechanisms that may enhance plant growth as plants adapt to novel environments either through assisted migration or in situ adaptation to climate change or land use change. |
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| 2015 - 2016 | |
The Ben and Catherine Ivy Foundation Scholar UA: Biochemistry Research Interest: Paul Akhenblit studied biochemistry at Arizona State University where he completed his BS degree in three and a half years in 2011. During that time he was employed by his department to teach across various general chemistry courses and was consistently involved in research, originally studying the secondary structure of spider silk using nuclear magnetic resonance and later on applying surface plasmon resonance to detecting protein-protein interactions on next generation protein arrays. Currently he studies tumor acidosis with a novel imaging method with magnetic resonance imaging. |
Van Denburgh Scholar UA: Cardiovascular Physiology Research Interest: Mathew received a B.S. in Biology from the University of Arizona. Mathew is completing the fourth year in a seven-year combined M.D./Ph.D. program. His research focuses on Titin, a giant elastic protein, and its role in cardiac hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction. Mathew’s career goal is to investigate basic mechanisms of disease and discover therapies that will significantly impact patients and improve cardiovascular health. |
Spetzler Scholar UA: Neuroscience Research Interest: Alyssa received a B.S. in Biology, with a minor in Psychology from Springfield College. Her research is focused on the role of TDP-43 in the synaptic mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration in a Drosophila model of ALS. TDP-43 is an RNA binding protein linked to the vast majority of ALS cases, as well as other neurodegenerative diseases. These finding can allow for the development of new therapeutics for ALS treatments.
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Lauber Endowment Scholar UA: Immunobiology Research Interest: Krysta received a B.S. in Molecular Biology from Brigham Young University. Her doctoral research examines how the gut microbiota impacts the development and progression of rheumatoid arthritis through its effects on the immune system. Her project focuses on how the commensal (non-pathogenic) Segments Filamentous Bacteria enhance B cell activation and antibody production leading to broad implications for vaccine design involving T-independent antigens. |
Might Scholar UA: Physiological Sciences Research Interest: Andrew received a B.S. in Psychology and a M.S. in Physiological Sciences from the University of Arizona. He is using stem cell technology to investigate the etiology of Parkinson’s disease (PD). His research involves a unique approach, using induced pluripotent stem cell technology to investigate the association between PD and malignant melanoma. This will result in the creation of a patient-specific model of the PD-melanoma connection. |
Burton Scholar UA: Astronomy Research Interest: Kathryn Decker received a B.S. in Physics and Planetary Science from MIT and a M.S. in Astronomy from the University of Arizona. She uses visible light and radio observations to study star formation in galaxies as they evolve through the post-starburst phase. She can look in detail at the past history of these galaxies and predict how they evolve in the future. |
Fannin Scholar UA: Cellular and Molecular Medicine Research Interest: Cecil received a B.S. in Molecular and Cellular Biology from the University of Arizona. His research is focused on the development and progression of non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC), a sub-type of lung cancer consisting of 85% to 90% of all lung cancer cases. His work is centralized around the study of a particular protein known as 14-3-3 gamma (14-3-3y). Patients with advanced NSCLCs and elevated levels of the protein can benefit from a more aggressive therapy to combat the mechanisms driving poorer survival. |
Kathryn Johnston West Scholar UA: Applied Mathematics Research Interest: Ben received a B.S. in Mathematics from The College of William and Mary. He is developing fast reconstruction algorithms which will be used in a new device for breast imaging to produce high resolution three-dimensional images. In recent years, revolutionary “hybrid” or “multi-physics” methods of medical imaging have emerged. By combining two or three different types of waves these methods overcome limitations of classical tomography techniques and deliver otherwise unavailable, potentially life-saving diagnostic information |
Tucker Scholar UA: Civil Engineering Research Interest: Hwee received a B.S. and a M.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of Arizona. His thesis was “Resilience-Based Failure Mode Effects and Criticality Analysis for Regional Water Supply System,” and it was accepted for journal publication. His current research is focused on developing a systems framework utilizing advanced scientific, engineering and socio-economic tools to support comprehensive water resource planning and management in water-stressed areas.
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Theresa F. Jennings Memorial Award Scholar UA: Physics Research Interest:Sarah attended NAU in Flagstaff, AZ as an undergrad and double-majored in Physics and Astronomy. There, she studied properties of Near-Earth Asteroids, using the on-campus telescope to better understand them in context of the proximity to Earth. Currently, at UofA she is working on preparations for the next run of ATLAS (a general purpose detector at the Large Hadron Collider in Geneva, Switzerland). She is also working on the MicroMegas muon detectors and the readout electronics for the New Small Wheel Upgrade of ATLAS. In 2013, she was one of four graduate students who formed Women in Physics in the Physics Department at the UofA. |
Lafollette/Libby/Windrow Endowments Scholar UA: Biomedical Engineering Research Interest: Maureen (Molly) was awarded a B.S. in Biomedical Engineering from Boston University. Her research applies novel optical techniques to the study of and early screening for colon and ovarian cancers. By developing a 0.7mm diameter, dual-modality, flexible endoscope called a falloposcope, to image the fallopian tubes and ovaries in vivo high risk women could be screened in a procedure at the same level of invasiveness as a colonoscopy. |
Burton Scholar UA: Animal and biomedical Sciences Research Interest: Amy received a B.S. in Physiology from the University of Arizona. Her research focuses on linking phenotype to gene expression changes that can identify candidate genes that are causative for intrauterine growth restriction IUGR, as well as genes that may serve as early non-invasive markers for IUGR. She hopes to develop methods of handling large genetic data sets for agriculture species that will provide better gene expression information to alternative animal models that best recapitulate particular human design. |
The Kemper and Ethel Marley Foundation Scholar UA: Geophysics Sciences Research Interest: Phillip received a B.S. in Applied Mathematics from the University of Arizona. His research interests include tectonic processes associated with mountain belt formation, crustal deformation mechanisms and remote sensing methods for space geodetic measurements. He is currently involved in an international collaboration to measure crustal deformation in the central Andes using high precision GPS. |
Lawson Scholar UA: Optical Sciences Research Interest: Zach received a B.S. in Physics, with a minor in Geology from Case Western Reserve University. He studies turbulence and fluid dynamics in microscopic droplets of gases called Bose-Einstein condensates (BECs). He is in the process of constructing a second-generation BEC apparatus in order to make precision studies of turbulence in BECs and to learn how turbulence is manifested in quantum mechanical systems.
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Haga Scholar UA: Optical Sciences Research Interest: Shaun received a B.S. in Physics from Harvey Mudd College and a M.S. in Optical Sciences from the University of Arizona. His current research focuses on designing, building and testing a compact, high numerical aperture, hyperspectral array confocal microscope for in-vivo tissue imaging. One specific biomedical application for this device is a non-invasive method for scanning a large area for skin cancer on a patient. |
Eller Scholar UA: Physiological Sciences Research Interest: Dennis received a B.S. in Nutritional Sciences from Penn State University, and a M.S. in Exercise Physiology from SUNY Buffalo. His research seeks to understand the mechanisms for protecting females from developing hypertension early in their lives. Using an accelerated ovarian failure model of menopause, Dennis hopes to identify the cellular and systemic mechanisms underlying this shift.
Crawford Endowment Scholar UA: Biomedical Engineering Research Interest: Jeffrey received a B.S. in Biomedical Science from Northern Arizona University. He is working on the development of novel imaging devices to improve surgical image guidance where the goal is to improve healthcare and patient outcomes. Developing a fully digital augmented stereomicroscope will allow surgeons to see superimposed visible and synthetic image features as a composite stereoscopic image, resulting in the ability to simultaneously view tissue and synthetic information.
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The Sandra Matteucci/Ralph Matteucci Endowment Scholar UA: Cellular and Molecular Medicine Research Interest: Understanding the mechanisms by which the human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), which infects 60-90% of the population worldwide, establishes a latent infection, and what controls the reactivation of a latent infection to an active infection. By identifying and understanding what controls HCMV latency, he hopes to provide new ways to prevent or eliminate HCMV infection. |
Spychala Family Scholar UA: Physiolgocial Sciences Research Interest: Kate received a B.S. in Physiology and a M.S. in Physiological Sciences from the University of Arizona. She is researching islet transplantation as a therapy for Type 1 diabetes. She is working with immunoisolation devices which can encapsulate the islets and therefore isolate them from the immune system. This technology for those with Type 1 Diabetes, offers not only the opportunity for normal physiological function, but also for that function to come without the many severe side effects of immunosuppression.
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Ashley Boehringer 
Josh Cutts
Rene Davis
Megan Fitzhugh
Brittney Haselwood
Brian Johnson
Emily Julik
Daniel Magee
Alexander Maurer
Denise Napolitano
Elizabeth Nofen
Jeffrey Skidmore
Louis Schoettle
Hillary Cooper
Anthony Hessel
Suzanne Owen
Michael Remke
Paul Akhenbilt
Matthew Bull
Alyssa Coyne
Krysta Felix
Andrew Flores
Kathryn Decker French
Cecil Gomes
Benjamin Holmin
Hwee Hwang
Sarah Jones
Maureen Keenan
Amy Kelly
Phillip McFarland
Zach Newman
Shaun Pacheco
Jeffrey Watson
